Sporotrichosis, also known as “rose gardener’s disease,” is a rare fungal infection that primarily affects the skin, though it can also spread to other parts of the body in serious cases. It is caused by a group of fungi from the Sporothrix species, most commonly Sporothrix schenckii. This fungus is found in soil, plants, and decaying vegetation and typically enters the body through small cuts or scrapes. Although not common, sporotrichosis is important to understand—especially for people who work closely with soil, plants, or animals.

How People Get Infected

Sporotrichosis is typically spread through contact with the environment, not from person to person. The most common way someone gets infected is by a cut or puncture wound that comes into contact with contaminated materials like soil, rose thorns, hay, or moss (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). Gardeners, farmers, florists, and people who work outdoors are more at risk. Recently, animal-to-human transmission, especially through cats, has become a growing concern in some parts of the world, such as Brazil (Gremião et al., 2020). In these cases, scratches or bites from infected cats can transmit the fungus.

Types and Symptoms

Sporotrichosis presents in different forms, ranging from mild to severe:

  1. Cutaneous (skin) sporotrichosis is the most common type. It usually starts as a small bump that appears where the fungus entered the skin. Over time, it can grow larger and become an open sore. These sores can spread along the lymph nodes near the infection site.
  2. Lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis affects both the skin and the lymphatic system. It starts the same way but spreads in a line of nodules or ulcers along the lymph channels of the arms or legs.
  3. Disseminated sporotrichosis is much less common but more serious. It occurs when the fungus spreads to other parts of the body such as the lungs, bones, joints, or even the brain. This form usually happens in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy (Barros et al., 2011).
  4. Pulmonary sporotrichosis occurs when the fungal spores are inhaled. This type is rare but can mimic symptoms of tuberculosis, including cough, chest pain, and weight loss.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing sporotrichosis often requires a doctor to take a tissue sample from the infected area. This sample is then cultured in a lab to grow the fungus and confirm its presence. Blood tests or imaging studies may be needed for more severe forms. Early diagnosis is important for successful treatment and to avoid complications.

Treatment

Sporotrichosis can be effectively treated, especially when diagnosed early. The first-line treatment is usually itraconazole, an antifungal medication taken by mouth. Treatment may last from several weeks to months depending on the severity of the infection (Kauffman, 2020). For more serious infections, like disseminated sporotrichosis, amphotericin B may be used initially in a hospital setting, followed by a switch to oral medication once the patient stabilizes.

It is important to complete the full course of medication even if the symptoms improve earlier. Stopping treatment too soon can lead to a relapse.

Prevention

While it may not always be possible to avoid contact with the Sporothrix fungus entirely, especially for people who work outdoors, there are simple ways to reduce the risk:

  • Wear gloves and protective clothing when gardening, handling soil, or dealing with animals.
  • Clean and cover cuts or scratches promptly.
  • Avoid contact with sick animals, especially cats showing signs of skin lesions, in areas where sporotrichosis is known to be more common.

Educating people in high-risk jobs or areas is a key step in preventing this infection.

Although sporotrichosis is not widespread, it can cause serious illness if not treated properly. Most cases are mild and can be cured with antifungal medications, especially when caught early. With proper diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures, this disease is very manageable. Increased awareness, particularly among outdoor workers and pet owners, can help reduce the risk of infection.

References

  1. Barros, M. B. L., de Almeida Paes, R., & Schubach, A. O. (2011). Sporothrix schenckii and sporotrichosis. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 24(4), 633–654. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.00007-11
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Sporotrichosis (Sporothrix schenckii). https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/sporotrichosis/index.html
  3. Gremião, I. D. F., Oliveira, M. E. G., Monteiro de Miranda, L. H., Saraiva Freitas, D. F., & Pereira, S. A. (2020). Zoonotic epidemic of sporotrichosis: Cat to human transmission. PLoS Pathogens, 16(1), e1008160. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1008160
  4. Kauffman, C. A. (2020). Sporotrichosis. In J. E. Bennett, R. Dolin, & M. J. Blaser (Eds.), Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases (9th ed.). Elsevier.

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